US 6,082,478 A · Lift augmented ground effect platform

Abstract

The lift augmented ground effect platform of the present invention is characterized by two pair of annular concentric air curtain nozzles and supercharge nozzles which direct respective jet streams downward and inward beneath the downwardly facing lifting surface of the platform. The concentric arrangement of the nozzles provides an inner or central supercharged air cushion surrounded by an inner central air curtain and an outer or peripheral air cushion surrounded by a peripheral air curtain. The present invention provides an increased or "large" augmentation of the forces acting to raise or lift the platform over that experienced in prior ground effect devices by directing an air flow stream over the downwardly curved peripheral surface of the platform. As the air flows downwardly along the curvature of the platform's peripheral surface, it creates a negative pressure differential which provides an additional lifting force contributing to support of the platform. The airflow stream and the jet stream are provided by, for example, propeller(s) or rotating fan device(s) mounted exterior or interior of the platform. The exterior mounting or specialized interior mounting provides two benefits: first, the propeller or fan stall due to the jet stream source is eliminated and second, smooth transition into free air (out of ground effect) is permitted where necessary to navigate rivers, canyons, and other types of physical barriers which may disrupt ground effect operation. An unpowered variation of the platform may be adapted for releasable attachment to a separate powered vehicle to serve as a performance enhancing lift augmentation platform.

Claims11

Dependent claims

An augmented ground effect platform comprising:

a substantially circular body formed with a downwardly radially curved exterior peripheral surface;
a downwardly facing lifting surface formed on the underside of said body;
a peripheral restoring surface extending around said lifting surface and angling upwardly and outwardly with respect thereto;
an air intake cavity formed in the upper surface of said body;
concentric annular nozzle means, including a first air curtain nozzle, a first air cushion nozzle, a second air curtain nozzle and a second air cushion nozzle;
first air passageway means connecting said intake cavity with said first air curtain nozzle, first air cushion nozzle and second air curtain nozzle;
second air passageway means connecting said intake cavity with said second air cushion nozzle;
a detachable vehicle releasably attached to the upper surface of said body;
said vehicle including an air drive means such that said air drive means directs an air flow into the air intake cavity of said body and also over the curved exterior peripheral surface of said body;
and
wherein said body serves as a lifting and landing ground effect lift augmentation system platform for said detachable vehicle.

8 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Lift augmented ground effect platform

Life of this patent

Lift augmented ground effect platform

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11